Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

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Mechanical properties of natural cellulose fibers reinforced polymer

composites – 2015–2020: A review
S. Venkatarajan a,⇑, C. Subbu b, A. Athijayamani c, R. Muthuraja d
a
Department of Physics, A.C.G.C.E.T, Karaikudi 630003, Tamilnadu, India
b
Department of Physics, Algappa Govt. Arts College, Karaikudi 630003, Tamilnadu, India
c
Department of Mechanical Engineering, GCE, Bodi 625 582, Tamilnadu, India
d
Department of Mechanical Engineering, A.C.G.C.E.T, Karaikudi 630003, Tamilnadu, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: In the past few decades, synthetic polymers are being reinforced with various filler materials (fibers and
Received 9 March 2021 particles) to improve and obtain desired properties for particular applications. These materials have been
Received in revised form 20 May 2021 used in the areas of automotive, aerospace, structural and construction, householding, and sports. The
Accepted 25 May 2021
plant-based natural cellulose fibers have recently gained increasing attention among researchers as a
Available online xxxx
potential reinforcing agent owing to their high specific properties, renewability, availability, and
biodegradable nature. When natural cellulose fibers derived from the plants and vegetables are used
Keywords:
as reinforcing agents, they have enhanced the physical, thermal, mechanical, biodegradation, and electri-
Natural fibers
Polymer matrix composites
cal properties of composites. Natural cellulose fibers are hydrophilic in the environment, which reduces
Biodegradation the compatibility with the polymer matrices. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate and understand the
Mechanical properties mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites for the manufacturing of polymer
composites with improved properties. In the present paper, recently (2015–2020) developed the natural
cellulose fiber/polymer matrix composites were reviewed according to the variations of mechanical
properties.
Ó 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International e-Confer-
ence on Advancements in Materials Science and Technology.

1. Introduction
The plant and vegetable based natural cellulose fibers are a
more popular choice in today’s biocomposite manufacturing that
can be used in various fields such as structural, construction, auto-
motive, and marine, etc. These fibers are replacing man-made syn-
thetic fibers due to their sustainability benefits. Moreover, natural
fibers and particles have been used to produce several biocompos-
ites. The chemical component and properties of each of the fibers
will decide the properties of composite materials. The reinforcing
potentiality of natural fibers and their properties have been
explained in numerous research works by several authors. For
the last decades, researchers have tried to make the highest perfor-
mance and environmentally friendly biocomposites. The plant
fibers, mainly bast and leaf fibers, find applications in the automo-
tive, structural, and construction industries recently. These fibers
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: venkatrajan69@gmail.com (S. Venkatarajan).
(ramie, flax, jute, cotton, hemp, sisal, and bagasse, etc.) have cellu-
lose, often in combination with additional workings for instance
lignin, pectin, wax, etc. Therefore, the natural fiber-reinforced
polymer composite materials are a system of composite consisting
of a polymer resin matrix entrenched with the natural cellulose
fibers [1].
The production of polymer composites filled with the natural
fibers has attracted attention among material scientists and
researchers due to improved mechanical performance and envi-
ronmental benefits. Polymer composites reinforced by natural cel-
lulose fibers are up-and-coming very swiftly as the probable
substitute to the traditional materials such as metal or ceramic
based materials in various industrial applications which includes
aerospace, marine, automotive, sporting goods, structural and con-
struction and also electronic industries, etc. Example: Composite
building materials made from straw bales are being used in the
construction of buildings in the United States. Among various
countries, Germany is a prime leader in the use of natural cellulose
fiber reinforced composites. The German auto-manufacturers,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.05.547
2214-7853/Ó 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International e-Conference on Advancements in Materials Science and Technology.

Please cite this article as: S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al., Mechanical properties of natural cellulose fibers reinforced polymer composites
– 2015–2020: A review, Materials Today: Proceedings, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.05.547
S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al.
BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Audi have taken the initiative to
introduce natural cellulose fiber reinforced composites for applica-
tions (interior and exterior) [2,3].
When natural fibers are compared with the other fibers, they
possess a high strength-to-weight ratio, renewability, sustainabil-
ity, non-corrosive nature, and high fracture toughness. Even
though several plants and vegetable fibers are often reviewed as
reinforcing agents in the polymer matrix composites, but the rest
of the plant and vegetable fiber/polymer matrix composites are
not discussed in detail by the researchers [4]. This paper discusses
the use of all the types of plant and vegetable fibers for example,
stem, leaf, fruit and seed, straw, grass, and wood, as reinforcing
agents in a polymer matrix composite and their effects on the
properties (physical and mechanical) of composites. Additionally,
the fiber source, extraction, availability, type, composition, and
their effects on the properties of the composite were described
and also their advantages and disadvantages of using each biofiber
were discussed.
2. Development of natural fiber composites on 2015
Ardanuy et al. [5] presented a review in the area of cement-
based composites reinforced natural cellulose fibers during the last
years. The review was done based on the fibers used, preparation
method, durability, and mechanical behavior. The authors stated
that the cement-based composites reinforced with natural cellu-
lose fibers can be developed with optimized fiber–matrix adhesion.
Lei gong [6] developed natural rubber/soy protein particles com-
posites based on protein hydrolysis and studied the mechanical
properties. It was observed that a smaller amount hydrolyzed
soy protein particle reinforced rubber composites under alkali
treated conditions show better tensile strength, tensile modulus,
and toughness, whereas, greatly hydrolyzed soy protein particle
reinforced rubber composites show the decreased modulus at lar-
ger strain region. Athijayamani et al. [7] evaluated the mechanical
properties of bagasse/vinyl ester composites using Taguchi method
and analysis of variance techniques. Composites plates have been
prepared by Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array as the function of pro-
cess variables such as fiber content and length, the diameter of the
fiber, NaOH concentration, and treatment duration, as shown in
Fig. 1. The Process parameters and their effects on tensile strength [7].
2
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
Figs. 1 and 2. The experimental strength values have also been pre-
dicted and compared using a multi-variable non-linear Regression
model. The results revealed that the weight percentage of fiber is
the most significant process parameter influencing the properties
of the composite. The authors found that the multi-variable non-
linear regression model can be used proficiently for the prediction
of tensile strength and flexural strength of bagasse/vinyl ester
composites without any further experiments, as illustrated in
Fig. 3.
Essabir et al. [8] investigate the performances of high-density
polyethylene /treated Argan nutshell particle composites. The
authors have focused on the properties of composites. The results
of morphological and structural tests indicated that the adhesion
between the Argan nutshell particles and high-density polyethy-
lene matrix upon alkali treatment is improved. The results also
revealed that the mechanical properties of the composites display
a noteworthy increase in tensile modulus with the adding of Argan
nutshell particles. The results of the thermal analysis revealed that
the incorporation of Argan nutshell particles in the high-density
polyethylene matrix is decreasing the decomposition tempera-
tures. Finally, the author stated that the applications of Argan nut-
shell particles will help open new markets in cost effective
products. Mechanical and thermal properties of waste peanut shell
powder/epoxy composites were studied by Prabhakar et al. [9]
with the help of Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, uni-
versal testing machine, scanning electron microscope, and thermal
gravimetric analysis. The author found that the tensile properties
improved with the increase of peanut shell powder loading. The
results of the SEM showed that better bonding between the pow-
der and epoxy resin is identified and it leads to improvement of
the properties. The results of the thermal gravimetric analysis
revealed that the thermal resistance of composites increases when
increasing the peanut shell powder content and NaOH concentra-
tion. Asim et al. [10] reviewed the properties of pineapple leaf
fiber-reinforced polymer composites with their possible
applications.
The logical and reasonable utilization of pineapple leaf fiber
depends on the comprehensive revision of the physical, mechani-
cal, and chemical properties of those fibers. The author stated that
the pineapple leaf fiber has been a probable replacement of the
man-made fiber in the composite industries. Gurunathan et al.
S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al. Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Fig. 2. The Process parameters and their effects on flexural strength [7].

Fig. 3. Comparison of experimental and predicted values for the best fit: (a) tensile strength & (b) flexural strength [7].

[11] reviewed the biocomposites developed recently based on nat- been reviewed. The review concluded that the biocomposites rein-
ural cellulose fibers and their application standpoints. The eco- forced with natural fibers can gain attention for use in various
nomic impact and future direction of these composites have also fields. The properties such as physical, mechanical, and biodegrad-

3
S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al.
able, of kenaf and coir fiber reinforced polymer nano-composites
were studied by Saiful Islam et al. [12]. The authors found that
hybridization of fibers improves the biodegradability and water
absorption characteristics of kenaf and coir fiber reinforced poly-
mer nano-composites, while the addition of montmorillonite had
the inverse effect on the water absorption properties. The SEM
study reveals that montmorillonite strongly improved the bonding
strength and adhesion between Kenaf and coir fibers and also poly-
mer matrix.
Jeya Sekaran et al. [13] examined the mechanical behaviors of
woven banana/glass fiber/epoxy hybrid composites. Composites
were produced by using the hand lay-up technique. The focus of
the author was mainly on the determination of the mechanical
properties of the banana/glass fiber/epoxy hybrid composites.
The results showed that the properties of the banana fibers were
not significant when it is compared with glass fiber. Dairi et al.
[14] have investigated the morphological, mechanical, and physical
properties of polypropylene and recycled poly (ethylene tereph-
thalate) composites reinforced with wood flour. The effects of addi-
tion of wood flour particles with maleic anhydride grafted
polypropylene compatibilization on the properties of the compos-
ite materials were evaluated. It was observed that the accumula-
tion of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene with the resin
significantly improved mechanical properties compared with
uncompatibilized composites. It was also pointed out that the per-
centage of water absorption is reduced, which recovers the interfa-
cial bonding between the filler and the resin matrix. Mohammed
et al. [15] reviewed the performance and applications of natural
Fiber Reinforced polymer composite to the surface treatments of
natural fibers. The authors pointed out that some disadvantages
of natural fiber-polymer composites like lower mechanical proper-
ties, inferior fire resistance and water absorption tendency limited
their applications. The authors stated that the compound manage-
ment of the natural cellulose fiber enhanced bonding strength
between the fiber surface and the polymer matrix which ulti-
mately enhanced physic- mechanical and thermo-chemical prop-
erties of the natural cellulose fiber polymer composites.
El Mechtali et al. [16] investigate the properties of chemically
treated almond shell particles/polypropylene composites. Compos-
ite plates were manufactured by a twin-screw extrusion at the
fiber content of 20 wt%. The results reveal that the chemical treat-
ment of almond shell particles changes the mechanical and vis-
coelastic properties of almond shells/polypropylene composite
materials. It was also revealed that the composites reinforced by
using the treated particles and the compatibilized resin matrix lead
to a prominent increase in tensile modulus as compared to the
composites with the untreated almond shell particles. Ibrahim
et al. [17] reviewed the mechanical properties of sisal fiber/poly-
mer composites concerning fiber treatments, fiber content, and
fabrication method. The authors stated that the various fiber treat-
ments, which are carried out to progress the interfacial bonding,
leading to enhanced mechanical properties of composite materials.
The authors also concentrated on the influence of fiber content and
fabrication methods, which can considerably affect the physical
and mechanical properties of sisal fiber/polymer composites. The
flammability of natural cellulose and non-cellulosic fiber rein-
forced epoxy composites was reviewed by Saba et al. [18]. The
authors pointed out that the fire flammability of composite is
one of the foremost anxiety for polymer composites, especially
epoxy matrix composites.
3. Development of natural fiber composites on 2016
The performance of rice husk and sawdust reinforced polyole-
fine composites was evaluated by Doan et al. [19] and found that
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Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
due to the presence of a compatibilizer, the interfacial adhesion
is improved which leads to the improved strength values as well
as toughness. In addition, the influence of the reinforcing agents
and compatibilizers were influencing the properties of composite
such as hardness, dynamic mechanical behavior, melting and crys-
tallization behavior, thermal expansion, and degradation. Binoj
et al. [20] studied the properties of Areca fruit husk fibers. The out-
come of the current study confirms the probable of Areca fruit husk
fibers as a reinforcing agent in polymer composites for various
fields of applications such as automotive, structural and marine.
Essabir et al. [21] developed polypropylene hybrid composites
with the addition of coir fibers/shell particles at a total weight per-
centage of 20 wt%. The effects of coupling agent and hybridization
on the structural, mechanical and thermal, morphological proper-
ties were studied by the authors. The authors found that the cou-
pling agent increased the fillers-matrix interfacial bonding. The
results also revealed that the combination of coir fiber/shell parti-
cles with polypropylene has a positive effect on tensile modulus.
Haameem et al. [22] characterized the mechanical properties of
Napier grass fiber-reinforced composites based on the mechanical
properties. The authors have investigated the effects of NaOH solu-
tions at various concentrations on the tensile properties and mor-
phology of the fibers. The results revealed that the maximum
strengths of the composites are obtained in 25% of fiber content.
Devireddy and Biswas [23] studied the properties of the unidi-
rectional banana/jute hybrid fiber epoxy hybrid composites pre-
pared by varying the fiber content. A micromechanical model
was also developed in this study. The obtained outcome were com-
pared and validated with the results of analytical methods and
numerical simulation. It was found that the results of the experi-
mental and numerical simulation methods are in close approxima-
tion with the values predicted by the micro- mechanical method.
Costa et al. [24] reviewed the natural fiber reinforced polymer
composites with respect of their dynamic mechanical and thermal
analysis. The authors reviewed the viscoelastic properties of natu-
ral cellulose fiber reinforced polymer because it is an indispensable
step in the development process. The authors stated that a com-
plete perceptive of the structure and property associations of com-
posites is vital to achieving a better development process. Rajesh
et al. [25] investigate the manipulate of surface pre-treatment
and hybridization effect on flexural and free vibration behavior
banana and sisal fibers reinforced polymer hybrid composite beam.
The results revealed that chemical treatment improves the flexural
and free vibration properties of composite materials owing to the
enrichment of interfacial bonding strength between the fiber and
matrix.
Saba et al. [26] developed epoxy-based hybrid nanocomposites
by disbanding the different nanofillers (nano oil palm empty fruit
bunch filler, and MMT at a loading of 3% through a mechanical stir-
rer followed by a hand lay-up technique. Dynamic mechanical
analysis of hybrid composite was analyzed in terms of loss modu-
lus, storage modulus, glass transition temperature, and tan delta as
a function of temperature. The authors found that the modulus val-
ues, and tan delta increased considerably by incorporating nano oil
palm empty fruit bunch filler, and MMT nano clay into the kenaf/
epoxy composites. Lim et al. [27] prepared the palm kernel shell
filled polylactic acid composites and investigated their mechanical
properties, morphological studies, and thermal properties of the
composite materials. Composites were fabricated at different palm
kernel shell content with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as a cou-
pling agent by using melt mixing compounding at 180 °C. The
results revealed that the composites, treated with 3- aminopropy-
ltriethoxysilane have higher tensile properties but lower modulus
of elasticity. It may be due to the enhanced palm kernel shell -
polylactic acid interaction. It was also found that the thermal sta-
bility of palm kernel shell - polylactic acid composites is also
S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al.
enhanced with 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane treatment. Pickering
et al. [28] reviewed the performance of natural fiber-reinforced
composites and their mechanical. The authors stated that the
development of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites is
encouraged by material engineers and researchers due to the
advantages of natural fiber materials compared to others, such as
man-made fiber composites. Ketabchi et al. [29] evaluated the
mechanical and thermal properties of cellulose nanoparticles (ex-
tracted from kenaf fibers) reinforced polylactic acid-based
biodegradable nanocomposites. The authors found that there is
adequate compatibility between cellulose nanoparticles and poly-
lactic acid matrix. They also found that the adding of 3 wt% of cel-
lulose nanoparticles improved the tensile strength of the polylactic
acid matrix by 25%.
4. Development of natural fiber composites on 2017
Karina et al. [30] evaluated the properties of recycled
polypropylene/ rice straw lignin composites. The results pointed
out that the tensile strength of the composites decreased as the lig-
nin content increased as shown in Table 1, most likely owing to the
low compatibility degree of lignin and the crack formation due to
the agglomeration of lignin. The results also indicated that the
properties (physical and mechanical) of recycled polypropylene
and its virgin polypropylene composites had no substantial
differences.
Savita Dixit et al. [31] reviewed the availability, low cost, and
ease of manufacturing with the consideration of researchers
towards the opportunity of reinforcement of natural cellulose fiber
to improve their mechanical properties. They stated that the natu-
ral cellulose fiber with the treated condition will show better
improvement in properties than the untreated fibers due to the
improved interfacial bonding between the fiber surface and the
polymer matrix. Saba et al. [32] studied the mechanical, morpho-
logical, and structural properties of cellulose nanofibers reinforced
epoxy composites. It was clear that the FTIR analysis confirms the
introduction of nanofibers into the epoxy matrix, while no sub-
stantial change in the crystalline and diffraction peaks of compos-
ite materials is measured by the XRD patterns. Furthermore, the
incorporation of cellulose nanofibers considerably enhances the
mechanical properties of epoxy composites, however, a notewor-
thy improvement is observed in 0.75% of cellulose nanofibers when
compare to the other epoxy nanocomposites. Finally, the authors
concluded that the 0.75% cellulose nanofibers filler content is best
and effective concerning the others to improve the properties of
the epoxy matrix composites.
Maslinda et al. [33] have studied the water absorption behavior
and its effects on the properties (tensile and flexural) of interwo-
ven cellulosic fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Composite plates
consisting of interwoven kenaf and jute and also kenaf and hemp
yarns and epoxy polymer resin were developed by an infusion pro-
cess. The water absorption study was carried out by immersing the
Table 1
Mechanical Properties of Lignin/RPP and Lignin/PP Composites [30].
Lignin Content (%) Tensile Strength (MPa) Modulus (GPa)
RPP PP RPP
0 37.8 ± 0.6 34.0 ± 0.5 1.22
10 24.3 ± 0.9 23.4 ± 0.5 1.24
20 18.2 ± 0.6 19.1 ± 0.4 1.25
30 15.2 ± 0.1 16.0 ± 0.6 1.32
40 12.5 ± 0.5 13.1 ± 0.3 1.36
50 10.4 ± 0.6 10.8 ± 0.4 1.36
60 8.2 ± 0.4 8.9 ± 0.3 1.37
70 7.1 ± 0.5 6.8 ± 0.6 1.44
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Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
composite samples in tap water at room temperature. The results
revealed that the properties (mechanical and water-resistant) of
the kenaf, jute, and hemp fibers were improved through hybridiza-
tion. It was observed that due to the water penetrating within the
fiber/matrix interface, the mechanical properties of the composites
are reduced. Srinivas et al. [34] reviewed the properties of natural
cellulose fiber reinforced polymer-based composites with their
processing techniques and compared the chemical and mechanical
properties of the different natural fiber composites. The authors
stated that the environmental awareness and concerns with the
greenhouse effect have activated the automotive, construction,
and structural industries to watch out for eco-friendly materials
that can replace conventional man-made synthetic fibers. Arpitha
and Yogesha [35] presented a summary of the mechanical proper-
ties of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites and stated that
natural fibers have recently become attractive to material
researchers and scientists as a good alternative for synthetic
fiber-reinforced composites. They also stated that natural cellulose
fibers play an imperative role in developing biodegradable com-
posites to tenacity the current environmental and ecological con-
cerns. The authors also pointed out that these fiber composites
have also been used in different fields of industrial applications.
5. Development of natural fiber composites on 2018
Radzi et al. [36] have considered the effect of content of sugar
palm fiber on the properties of Roselle/thermoplastic polyurethane
composite materials. The authors found that the hybridization of
sugar palm fiber with Roselle fiber-reinforced thermoplastic poly-
urethane composites increased its impact strength while decreas-
ing the strength values. The effects of different natural cellulose
fibers and filler materials on the performance of polymer compos-
ite material were reviewed by Abhilash Gowda et al. [37]. Mechan-
ical properties of polymer composite material were measured by
the weight or volume fraction of bio-natural fibers and fillers.
Gheith et al. [38] studied the mechanical properties of epoxy com-
posites by reinforcing date palm fibers and found that mechanical
properties of date palm/epoxy composites increased by 50% of data
palm fiber loading. The effects of lignin content on thermal and
mechanical properties of polypropylene composites reinforced
with microparticles of spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils have been
studied by Peng et al. [39]. The authors found that the higher lignin
content cellulose particles enhanced tensile properties, water
repellency, and thermal stability of the composites when com-
pared to low lignin content cellulose particles. They identified a
strong probable of HLCP as a bio-based reinforcement filler in poly-
mer composites.
Lakshumu Naidu and Ajay Kumar [40] analyzed the properties
of natural fiber/polymer composites improved by the chemical
treatments. The results revealed that the treatment of fibers
increases the compatibility between the reinforcement and matrix
and also, decrease the relative moisture absorption in composites.
Elongation at Break (%)
PP RPP PP
± 0.01 1.06 ± 0.02 44 ± 8 700 ± 40
± 0.05 1.08 ± 0.04 6.9 ± 1.7 7.5 ± 0.9
± 0.04 1.14 ± 0.02 4.1 ± 0.7 5.6 ± 1.0
± 0.06 1.25 ± 0.05 3.5 ± 1.1 5.2 ± 1.3
± 0.08 1.29 ± 0.05 1.9 ± 0.2 4.4 ± 2.5
± 0.08 1.35 ± 0.03 1.6 ± 0.3 1.6 ± 0.4
± 0.10 1.35 ± 0.07 1.4 ± 0.0 1.3 ± 0.1
± 0.07 1.38 ± 0.09 0.7 ± 0.3 0.7 ± 0.1
S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al. Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx

Raghavendra et al. [41] investigated the mechanical properties of

epoxy/date palm fiber and polyester/date palm fiber hybrid com-
posites. It was identified that that the polyester/date palm fibers
hybrid composite exhibit the largest tensile strength. The reason
was enriched fiber–matrix adhesion due to the alkali pre-
treatment. The results also showed that when the date palm fiber
was added along with the polyester mat, the tensile and bending
strength was improved. Prajapati et al. [42] evaluate the mechan-
ical properties of coir fiber and glass fiber reinforced hybrid com-
posite materials. Composite plates were prepared by hand lay-up
method by varying the coir fiber’s length and glass fiber mats.
The authors concluded that the length of coir fibers and the num-
ber of glass fiber mats shows the assessable effect on various
mechanical properties of hybrid composite material. Pecas et al.
[43] reviewed the applications of natural fiber composites. The
authors stated that the origin of natural materials causes an exten-
sive range of deviations in their properties, which mainly depends
on the harvesting locality and environments. Therefore, it was
complicated to select the suitable fiber for a specific application.
They also focused on the future trends of natural fiber applications
and the required developments to broaden their applications. Sud-
hakar et al. [44] reviewed the chemical and physical properties of
natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials. The authors
also paying attention on the chemical properties of natural fiber-
reinforced polymer composites. Zaaba and Ismail [45] reviewed
the advances made in the opportunity of peanut shell powder at
various types of polymer matrices (i.e. Thermoplastic, thermostat,
and natural rubber).

6. Development of natural fiber composites on 2019

The graphene sheet and carbon nanotubes reinforced polymer

composites have been reviewed by Lia et al. [46]. The authors have
focused on the mechanical properties and tribological behavior of
two different polymer composites and also summarized the
enhancing properties of the carbon nanotubes and graphene
sheets. Naveen Reddy et al. [47] studied the mechanical (the ten-
sile and flexural) and physical (the water absorption and inter-
Laminar shear strength) properties of unidirectional banana/glass
fiber hybrid epoxy composites. The hybrid epoxy composite is fab-
ricated by using a hand Lay-up method. The effects of the addition
of Areca fiber on the mechanical properties of phenol–formalde-
hyde biocomposites prepared with the different weight percent-
ages were investigated by Venkatarajan et al. [48]. The maximum
level of mechanical properties was obtained at CGF/AFF/PF hybrid
composite materials, as shown in Fig. 4a 4c. However, it showed
a lower property level compare to the GF/PF composite materials.
The obtained results proved that the CGF and AFF phenol formalde-
hyde hybrid composites have been used to make the parts and
components for industrial application in place of the GF/PF com-
posite materials.
Ferreira et al [49] reviewed the natural filler as reinforcing
agents used in the polymer matrix composite and encouraged by
the cost reduction and environmental condition. Natural fibers
were used widely as nano cellulose fiber. The authors stated that
the development of the polymer matrix composite materials yet
not met with the environmentally friendly materials with
improved properties. Natural fibers have been used as a good alter-
native and eco-friendly materials in several applications. Spanic
et al. [50] have studied the performance of natural fillers reinforced
cellulose acetate composite. The extracted alpha-cellulose, wood
flour, and holocellulose were used as suitable fillers. DSC and
TGT analysis of the filler materials and biocomposites recom-
mended the significance of the amount of degradation of filler
material properties. The properties of the palm tree trunk, leaf
Fig. 4. Variations of the (a) tensile strength (b) flexural strength & (c) impact
strength of hybrid composites [48].
stalk, palm leaf sheath, and fruit bunch stalk reinforced polymer
composites were evaluated by Alshammari et al [51]. Composite
plates were fabricated by using the hand lay-up method. Moreover,
composite specimens were characterized by the mechanical, phys-
ical, and morphological properties. The fiber dislocations, fiber
pull-out, and matrix cracks were identified on the fractured surface
of the composites.
Krishnasamy et al. [52] evaluated the mechanical properties of
hemp and sisal fibers/epoxy hybrid composite. Composite plates
were prepared by the hot press moulding method. Hybrid compos-
ites exhibited balanced mechanical properties, while the compos-
ites provided good thermal resistance. The hybrid formations
indicated that the improved strength, thermal stability, and stiff-
ness of the composites are appropriated for structural applications.
Negawo et al. [53] evaluated with properties of alkali-treated stem
fibers/polyester composite. A positive modification in Tg of the
polyester composites was obtained after alkali treatment. More-
over, the surface morphology study indicates a better interfacial
bonding in treated fiber/unsaturated polyester composites. Cui
et al. [54] studied the flexural properties of cellulose fiber/
polypropylene composite materials. The results revealed that the
flexural properties of the polypropylene composites reinforced

6
S. Venkatarajan, C. Subbu, A. Athijayamani et al.
the hydrophobized cellulose fillers are significantly increased. The
results were compared with those of composites containing hydro-
philic cellulose fibers and the pure polypropylene sample. The
treatment with the citric acid has changed the cellulose as eco-
nomical reinforcing filler. Sandeep Kumar et al. [55] evaluated
the physical, mechanical, and sliding wear properties of rice husk
reinforced epoxy composites. The rice husk was used as reinforcing
agents with weight percentages of 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt%. The proper-
ties (physical and mechanical) where mechanical properties, water
absorption, void fraction, and hardness. The Taguchi experimental
design was developed for the wear rate of composites. Analysis of
variance with signal-to-noise ratio was also carried out to inspect
the outcome of process parameter on the wear rate of composite
materials.
7. Development of natural fiber reinforced composites on 2020
Khalaf et al. [56] have studied the effect of bagasse powder’s
content on the properties of styrene-butadiene rubber composites.
The authors found from the results that the addition of ground
bagasse powder up to 50 phr is possible without impairing the
mechanical properties of styrene-butadiene rubber vulcanizates
as shown in Fig. 5.
Sumesh et al. [57] studied the properties in pineapple and flax/
epoxy hybrid composite materials. The authors found that the
mechanical test results show a positive impact with the integration
of hybrid fibers in the epoxy composite materials. Moreover, it was
identified that the results of thermal stability showed an improve-
ment in the degradation temperature, endothermic peak, enthalpy,
and residual % by the incorporation of hybrid fibers.
Fig. 5. Effect of ground bagasse powder’s contents on tensile strength, elongation at
: (a) break and (b) modulus [56].
7
Materials Today: Proceedings xxx (xxxx) xxx
The physical and mechanical properties of the baobab fiber
(Adansonia Digitata) at treated condition and their nano-filler rein-
forced epoxy matrix composite were investigated by Eze et al. [58]
and found that the optimum mechanical properties can be
obtained with 10 wt% of filler content. A fractographic study was
carried out on the fractured composite specimen by scanning elec-
tron microscopy and it has highlighted the reason for the enhanced
mechanical properties recorded at 10 wt% of the composite. More-
over, the authors concluded that the baobab fiber reinforced nano-
composites with adequate properties can be used for many appli-
cations in various fields such as automotive and construction, etc.
8. Conclusion
The focus of the present review paper is on the properties of
natural cellulose fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite with
the special reference to their mechanical properties. The critical
research on the utilize of natural cellulose fibers is essential
because of these fibers can be used to develop semi-
biodegradable or fully biodegradable composites as a probable
replacement for man-made fibers. Recently, natural fiber-
reinforced polymer composites have received further interest and
opened up further industrial promises such as structural and con-
struction, automotive, marine and aerospace, sporting goods, etc.
Natural cellulose fibers present many advantages compared to
man-made synthetic fibers. However, natural cellulose fiber rein-
forced polymer composites may give the comparable property
levels when compared with the synthetic fiber reinforced polymer
composites. Natural fibers are abundantly available, which make
sure an incessant supply of reinforcing materials and a substantial
material cost saving to the various industries like the plastics,
automotive, and packaging, etc.
CRediT authorship contribution statement
S.Venkatarajan: Data curation, Concepts. C. Subbu: Supervi-
sion. A. Athijayamani: Writing articles, Writing - original draft.
R. Muthuraja: Validation, Visualization.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing finan-
cial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared
to influence the work reported in this paper.
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